Fin Fest

Now – Tuesday, August 6

We’re putting the spotlight on sharks and stingrays to build a broader appreciation for the diversity, importance and plight of these FINcredible elasmobranchs.

Now – Tuesday, August 6, 10am – 5pm (in-person) 

Sport shark gear! Fin Fest-goers who visit the Aquarium dressed in shark gear (shirt, shorts, socks, tie, cap or costume) will be entered for a chance to win a shark-and-ray-themed $125 Gift Shop prize pack. (daily @10am – 5pm)

Get involved. Pick up an activity booklet with jaw-some word searches, animal facts and more. (daily @10am – 5pm)

See if you can spot 4 species of shark and 5 types of stingrays. When you find the brownbanded bamboo, nurse, sandtiger and sandbar sharks or the ocellate river, hybrid, cownose, southern and Atlantic stingrays, snap a photo and tag @cleaquarium on social. (daily @10am – 5pm)

Meet our mascot, Finn! Snap a photo with a very friendly landshark. (Dates and times vary)

Show us what you know. Identify shark and stingray teeth, learn about deadly animals and get the scoop on biodiversity at our Discovery Cart and get an animal trading card or shark finger puppet. (daily, times vary)

Feed the Stingrays. Stingrays, like sharks, are cartilaginous elasmobranchs. Feed these shark relatives. (daily @3:30pm)

Watch a Shark Feed. (Monday, Wednesday & Friday @2:30pm)

Ask our scuba team your questions about diving with sharks and stingrays during an interactive, in-person, underwater Q&A. (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday @11:30am)

Dive into a craft, experiment or topic with our community partners including Cleveland Museum of Natural History (July 11), Cleveland Water (July 9 & 18, August 1), Drink Local. Drink Tap. (July 16), The Community for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (July 25 & 30, August 1) and Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (July 11 & 30).  (Tuesdays & Thursdays @11am – 2pm)

Learn something new about sharks and stingrays during weekly Instagram Live Q&As with educators and the animal care team. (Friday mornings on the @cleaquarium IG page, August 2)

Life Support Systems Director Brenton walks us through maintaining the Aquarium shark habitat.

Do you know how long a brownbanded bamboo shark can tolerate low oxygen? Watch the video below to find out!

Aquarist Lando M. tells us all about the 4 species of sharks at Greater Cleveland Aquarium in Español.

People always notice the big sandtiger sharks swimming through their habitat, but what about the smaller sandbar sharks they coexist with? Check out this video to learn 5 interesting facts about these fascinating animals.

Ever wondered what goes into being an Aquarium diver? Learn from a few of the dive team members about their day-to-day responsibilities.

It’s Ray on Rays! Our Curator Ray P. discusses the different species of stingrays here at the Aquarium and what sets them apart.

Have you ever wondered how we feed sharks? Head behind-the-scenes to see how it’s done!

FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND

Saturday & Sunday, June 15 & 16, 9am – 6pm

Did you know male dart frogs can be diligent dads, caring for their unborn offspring by shedding water, removing fungus and rotating eggs?  Were you aware that weedy seadragon dads carry eggs on the base of their tails?  Learn more fascinating facts about animal fathers when you “seas” an opportunity to show your appreciation for loved ones while learning about the natural world.

Visiting dads/stepdads/foster dads/grandpas save $5 at the Ticket Counter for in-person adult admission with the purchase of another adult or child ticket on June 15 & 16, 2024.

Caregiver-themed trivia, extended hours and a parent pin (while supplies last) are all included in the celebration.

You’re also invited to trade out those slippers, mugs and wallets to gift that special someone a year’s worth of undersea adventures with a 10% discount on Greater Cleveland Aquarium Annual Passes (Individual, Senior; Couple, Senior Couple, Family or Grandparent)  purchased June 15 & 16 (with code 10DAD2024). In addition to unlimited daily return admission for the family, membership perks include free parking while visiting, exclusive programming, discounted and free events, birthday party and gift shop savings and more.

General $19.95 (ages 13+), $13.95 (ages 2-12), $0 (under 2)
Dads/Stepdads/Foster Dads/Grandpas: $14.95 (with the purchase of another adult or child ticket)
Passholders FREE

Answer 3 TRUE or FALSE questions about amphibian fathers to be entered for a chance to win a Greater Cleveland Aquarium Family Pass or a 1-year extension your current Aquarium membership ($130 value) AND a $30 gift certificate for our Gift Shop.

As a small token of our appreciation for their dedication to the wellbeing of our communities, general admission and parking (with validation) is FREE for active duty military, veterans and first responders* on Memorial Day Weekend.

Eligible guests must present appropriate ID. Appreciation offer is only available in-person. Please do not purchase tickets online if you intend to take advantage of this offer. It cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.

*Eligible guests include active duty military, veterans or reservists, physicians, nurses, police officers, sheriff/sheriff’s deputies, correctional officers, state troopers, federal law enforcement officers, career firefighters, volunteer firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and/or dispatchers with ID. (Does not apply to accompanying family members or guests.)

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

Saturday & Sunday, May 11 & 12, 9am – 6pm

Did you know Surinam toad eggs are embedded into the skin on their mom’s back or that green tree python moms coil themselves around a clutch of eggs during incubation but leave their newborns to fend for themselves once they’ve hatched? Learn more fascinating facts about animal parents when you “shell-abrate” fin-tastic moms.

Visiting moms/stepmoms/foster moms/grandmas save $5 at the Ticket Counter for in-person adult admission with the purchase of another adult or child ticket on Mother’s Day Weekend.

Parenting-themed trivia, extended hours and a “fin”tastic parent pin (while supplies last) are all included with general admission.

We’re also offering everyone the opportunity to swap the more traditional slippers, mugs and candles for the gift of a year’s worth of undersea adventures with a 10% discount on any level Greater Cleveland Aquarium Annual Pass May 11 & 12 (with code 10MOM2024). In addition to unlimited daily return admission for the family, membership perks include free parking while visiting, exclusive programming, discounted and free events, birthday party and gift shop savings and more.

General $19.95 (ages 13+), $13.95 (ages 2-12), $0 (under 2)
Moms/Stepmoms/Foster moms/Grandmas: $14.95 (with the purchase of another adult or child ticket)
Passholders FREE

Answer 3 animal parenting questions to be entered for a chance to win a Greater Cleveland Aquarium Family Pass or a 1-year extension your current Aquarium membership ($130 value) AND a $30 gift certificate for our Gift Shop.

SPRING DISCOVERY DAYS

Saturday, March 16 – Sunday, April 7, 10am – 5pm

Did you know that dwarf seahorses are only about one inch long as adults; or that little Eastern musk turtles emit a big odor to deter predators? Have you noticed there is no webbing between a green-and-black poison dart frog’s toes; or seen the disk on a Northern clingfish’s belly that lets it suction tightly to slimy or rocky surfaces? While the ragged-tooth sandtiger sharks gliding through the Aquarium’s 230,000-gallon shark habitat are always going to make a big impression, we invite guests to stop and appreciate some of the smaller species with contests, daily animal encounters and activities.

On Fridays, March 22 & 29 and April 5 from 11am – 3pm, Northeast Ohio traveling animal educator Nora the Explorer will give guests of all ages the opportunity to learn about, get close to and even touch some remarkable little critters.

In addition to in-person activities, the Aquarium is offering an online Tiny Trivia Giveaway (ages 18+, one entry per person, $125 prize package) and a virtual Take a Closer Look program (Thursday, April 4, 4 – 4:30pm; $10 per screen general, free for Aquarium Passholders).  The Educator-led online adventure offers participants up-close views of small animals and the chance to ask their big questions in real-time.

Spring Discovery Days Presenter Nora the Explorer: 

$19.95 (ages 13+), $13.95 (ages 2-12), $0 (all Passholders and guests younger than 2)

Test your small species knowledge with A Little Trivia. Ages 18+. One entry per email. 

Ask your BIG questions about some very small animals during the Educator-led Take a Closer Look online tour and Q&A. ($10 per screen, Passholders FREE with advance registration)

Passholders are invited to take a sneak peek behind-the-scenes for our freshwater galleries, complete a craft with one of our team members, enjoy story time, get a complimentary photo from the photo booth or just enjoy the Aquarium without first-time guest crowds.

FREE for Passholders with advance registration. (You must be logged into your member account online to access tickets.)

Enhance your homeschool journey with special program days designed for families. Enjoy special admission rates and unique experiences tailored for at-home learners with advance registration. Each program day explores a fun, educational theme. Choose your favorite or join us for all!

Embark on a self-guided scavenger hunt through our galleries, using themed activity sheets curated for students of all ages. Visit our educator-led stations for hands-on learning and check the daily schedule for additional fun.

Explore the difference between climate and weather, discover how animals survive the winter months, compare Ohio animal adaptations to animals in the tropics and find fish with “cool” names.

Educator-led winter activity available between: 10:30-11:30am & 12:30-1:30pm

Scavenger hunt available 10am-5pm

Get ready to explore the vibrant shapes and colors of aquatic creatures. You’ll be amazed at how different marine animals use camouflage to blend into their environments, ambush prey or hide from predators. Uncover the hidden beauty and survival strategies of underwater life during this vibrant aquatic adventure.

Educator-led activity available between: 10:30-11:30am & 12:30-1:30pm

Scavenger hunt available 10am-5pm

Appreciate the little things! Take a closer look at unique adaptations and be wowed by biodiversity. Join us this Earth Day to discover what you can do to have a positive impact on aquatic life.

*Overlaps with the Aquarium’s Spring Discovery Days. Take advantage of this discounted rate for homeschool families

Educator-led activity available: TBD

Scavenger hunt available 10am-5pm

Discover how sharks and stingrays are vital to a healthy ocean ecosystem. Find out what makes elasmobranchs unique during this JAWsome Aquarium visit.

*Overlaps with the Aquarium’s Fin Fest. Take advantage of this discounted rate for homeschool families.

Educator-led activity available: TBD

Scavenger hunt available 10am-5pm

Plan your visit to coordinate with the Daily Activities Schedule.

$11 general, homeschool students (age 2+) & adults

FREE, Passholders & guests younger than 2

Advance registration required. 

Stay in the know about upcoming homeschool programs and events. Join our eNewsletter.

Each Homeschool Class offers 2 simultaneous sessions:
10:15am –11:30am (grades 4-8)
10:15am – 11:30am (grades K-3)

• Each session contains unique, age-appropriate activities.
• Sessions begin promptly at 10:15am, please arrive on time.
• Adults are expected to stay and participate in the program with their students.
• Class fee includes the program PLUS Aquarium admission for the full day. Please feel welcome to explore the galleries more thoroughly after class.
• The classroom will remain available for 30min following the program.
• Please feel welcome to bring and eat a packed lunch. Zero waste lunches are highly encouraged.

Advance registration is required. 

Student: $11
Passholder student: $8
Adult: $11
Passholder adult: $8
Sibling child (age 2-4): $11
Passholder sibling child (ages 2-4): $8

Guests younger than age 2 are free.

Investigate how living things have adaptations to help them get oxygen, find food, use water and seek shelter. Which animals breathe with lungs and which breathe with gills? Is there a fish that actually spits water to hunt? Who has the most impressive camouflage? Observe hundreds of amazing animal adaptations on a guided scavenger hunt through the Aquarium.

After working as a team to build both a freshwater and saltwater food chain, journey into the Aquarium to find out what animals eat. Learn how certain animals avoid becoming prey by utilizing venomous spines, poisonous glands, incredible camouflage and more. Explore what and how aquatic producers, herbivores, carnivores and omnivores eat. Discover how humans fit into the food chain too!